Fayette County, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Fayette County Board of Education faces criticism over Superintendent Demetrus Liggins’ travel expenses exceeding $151,000, coinciding with a $16 million budget shortfall. Board members are evaluating spending practices, with proposals for policy changes and hiring an external auditor. Community concerns have surged regarding accountability amid increasing scrutiny over financial management.
Fayette County – The Fayette County Board of Education is currently under scrutiny due to Superintendent Demetrus Liggins’ travel expenses, which have exceeded $151,000 from January 2023 to May 2025. These figures come at a time when the school district is grappling with a significant budget shortfall of $16 million, prompting discussions about financial management and spending practices within the district.
Board member Penny Christian defended Liggins, stating that any discussion regarding travel expenses must consider comparisons to his predecessors. A significant portion of Liggins’ expenses includes food, which amounted to at least $25,969. Hotel stays accounted for another $44,150, while airfare totaled approximately $8,084.
Among the expenses, Liggins reportedly incurred exorbitant costs for meals, with 12 instances of food orders costing between $300 and $1,000 each. Moreover, at least eight meals cost over $1,000. Specifically, Liggins charged as much as $9,088 for meals that involved discussions with his cabinet and other administrators at various local restaurants in Lexington.
The financial scrutiny comes amid awareness of the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) staff collectively spending over $2.5 million on school-issued credit cards from August 2024 to January 2025. Board members have acknowledged that the school district has overspent for three consecutive years, despite efforts to rectify the budget imbalance.
In light of these financial challenges, the FCPS board is taking steps to reconsider its policies regarding travel and food expenditures. New measures include a halt on gifting to teachers and restrictions on conference travel. Furthermore, the board plans to hire an external auditor to thoroughly evaluate the district’s financial practices, including analysis of procurement card usage and overall spending.
Some board members have raised concerns about Liggins’ travel frequency in comparison to former superintendents, with Board President Tyler Murphy emphasizing the need to respect the audit process before any conclusions regarding the spending can be reached. As a result, discussions will continue on how to address the financial mismanagement accusations that are eroding public trust.
Earlier scrutiny of Liggins’ spending revealed travel expenses totaling $60,000 in just six months, including a controversial $7,000 trip to Australia. The community’s frustrations were evident during a recent school board meeting, where members called for heightened accountability and transparency in financial dealings.
In tandem with these concerns, supervisors have been encouraged to resign due to allegations of financial mismanagement. The board has recently approved an $827 million budget for the 2025-26 school year, which incorporates cuts to unfilled positions and limits on conference travel expenses.
Community Response and Board Actions
Community feedback has been a pivotal aspect of the ongoing discussions surrounding travel and spending. Many residents have voiced their concerns regarding how these expenditures amid a budget deficit reflect the district’s priorities and financial stewardship. The board’s updated policies and external audit plans signal a commitment to transparency and responsible fiscal management moving forward.
Next Steps
The FCPS will continue to navigate through this financial crisis while addressing concerns from board members and the community. Reviews of travel and spending policies will be essential as the board strives to balance necessary expenditures against the backdrop of a looming budget shortfall.
FAQ Section
What is the total amount of travel expenses incurred by Superintendent Liggins?
Superintendent Liggins’ travel expenses have exceeded $151,000 from January 2023 to May 2025.
What specific costs contributed to Liggins’ total travel expenses?
The expenses included $25,969 for food, $44,150 for hotels, and $8,084 for airfare.
Why are there budget concerns for Fayette County Public Schools?
Fayette County Public Schools is facing a $16 million budget shortfall, which has prompted discussions regarding current spending practices.
What actions is the board taking in response to the travel expense scrutiny?
The board is reviewing its travel and food expenses policies and will hire an external auditor to evaluate financial practices.
How has the community reacted to the spending issues?
Community members have expressed frustration, calling for accountability and transparency during recent school board meetings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Fayette County Schools Superintendent Faces Scrutiny Over $152,000 Expenses
University of Kentucky Receives $2 Million Grant for Alzheimer’s Research Training
Lexington Celebrates 8th Annual Tree Week
Fayette County School Board Approves $827.2 Million Budget
Calls for Leadership Changes at Fayette County Public Schools
Federal Government Shutdown Affects Lexington Industries
Lexington Planning Commission Approves The Railyard Development
Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: Fayette County Schools Budget Vote
- Wikipedia: Fayette County, Kentucky
- Asbury Collegian: Fayette County Public Schools Under Scrutiny
- Google Search: Fayette County Public Schools budget
- Fox 56 News: FCPS Board of Education Releases Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public School
- WKYT: Fayette County Board Education Reviews Spending Requests
- Google News: Fayette County schools overspending
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